Reaction of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
to the terror attack at its Mount Scopus campus

July 31, 2002

The forces of evil have struck yet again. For them, the entire State
of Israel, its citizens, and its institutions are legitimate targets
- this time, however, the target was chosen with much care. The attack
required planning and determination in order to overcome the many layers
of security and strike at the very heart of the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem. This was not just an attack on our institution; it was an
attack on a symbol of the rebirth of Israel in its own land, on a modern
state that is rooted in tradition but embraces openess.

This attack was perpetrated against a university founded upon the principles
of pluralism and tolerance, a university that seeks to understand the
world in which we live and that - despite the wave of terror and murder
we are experiencing - aspires to promote peace and understanding with
its neighbors in this region. The aim of the terrorists responsible
for the horrific scene that I witnessed several minutes after the explosion
was to bring an end to those values that the Hebrew University embraces
and embodies - understanding, tolerance, and the quest for peace.

The victims include many members of the University community - students,
teachers, employees, and visitors from all parts of the world. They
are Jews and Arabs, and citizens of the US, Korea, France, Italy, and
other countries. This attack is a crime not only against Israel or the
Jewish people; it is a crime against the free and enlightened world.
As I stood facing the destruction, the pools of blood and the wounded,
I was forced to ask myself how we can continue in our research, teaching
and other vibrant activity while we mourn for the victims. The answer
is clear and it is expressed by the Hebrew word davka, 'despite everything'.
The perpetrators of such heinous acts may kill those dear to us, but
they cannot destroy our vision and our determination to continue to
create a society that is based on reason and mutual understanding, and
to work as a community of researchers and students which welcomes Israelis
of all backgrounds and guests from all over the world. Above all, we
will not let them kill our aspirations for peace.